Outrage at public defibrillator theft

BALLAN’S publicly-available automated external defibrillator (AED) has been stolen, prompting outrage from the man behind its purchase.

Ballan Ambulance Auxiliary president Ian Ireland said the defibrillator was taken from an unlocked case outside the newsagency in Inglis Street last week, leaving the township without a permanently available emergency device.

Mr Ireland said the male thief was caught on security camera footage but appeared to be unknown to anyone.

Ballan police are investigating the incident.

“I was pretty frustrated,” Mr Ireland said. “To take something that’s a life-saving device…

“It’s the only one available for the public to use 24/7.”

After a permanent ambulance station was established in the town, the auxiliary had money in hand from fundraising efforts and decided to buy two AEDs – one for Ballan and another for Millbrook – valued at about $3000 each.

They were secured through Defib For Life, an organisation that works to get defibrillators installed in every sporting club, sporting complex, health club, community facility, school, corporate office, government building and industrial facility.

The aim is to have a defibrillator instantly available for use in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Mr Ireland said both the Ballan and Millbrook defibrillators had been used more than once in emergency situations.

He is not confident the stolen one will be found and returned, believing the thief will most likely sell it.

Mr Ireland said the auxiliary does not have enough money now to replace the machine but support is coming from locals.

“The [storage] case can’t be locked because the public needs access to it,” he said. “It’s just that vital piece of equipment.”

Mr Ireland ran the newsagency for many years and was in charge of a community ambulance service before the permanent station was established.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.